GB2231526A - Stapling apparatus with stack joggers - Google Patents

Description

- 1 STAPLING APPARATUS WIT11 STACK JOGGERS Background of the Invention

:2:7_. 3 I- Es:2 fS The Fleld of the Invention The present Invention relates to stitching or stapling avid In particular to apparatus for forming and drivin(j a wire staple through a stack of sheet material, ouch as paper.

Descj:lptj(:)ri of the Prior Art

Stitching or stapling machines are well known and are sold, lor exaniple, by Interlake Packaging Corp. under the "CHAMPION STITCHEW'. Such machines are disclosed, for example, In U.S. patent No. 1,252,011. It is known to utilize stAtching or stapling machines In conjunction with cluplicating, collating or other types of paper handling cl e v i e e s fol: slitpling together stacks of paper sheets generated al. the output of such devices.

One of the dif-ficulties in such applications is arranying the of loose sheets and positioning it at the st-apling region in a neat stack with the edges of adjacent- vertically aligned. While there have been provided copying machines, or the like with built-in stapling devices, the-re has not been provided a simple and effective stand-alono stapling apparatus which can conveniently be used in conjuriction wit.ii an associated rotary co.11ating machine for i-P- ceiv.iit(-1 and stapling the output thereof.

Stiltimary of the Invention It is a general aim of this invention to provide an improved wire stapling apparatus which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional structural and operating advantages.

According to one aspect of the invention there is pro vided a wire stapling apparatus for forming a length of wi.re lino a staple and driving it through a stack of stie(-,t-s, the apparatus comprising: a clincher anv.11; a stapling liead spaced a predetermined distance from the anvil and cooperaling thern-with to define a gap therebetween; and travisport. weans for delivering a stack of loose sheets to a stapling with at least a portion of the stack disposed Ln the gap; the head including forming means movable bet-ween relracted and forming positions for forming a leitqtli of wi.t-,e ivito a gerjerally inverted U-shaped staple, the (-()t. iiiiii(j riteavis in its forming position cooperating with the ai)vI I firmly to claritp the stack of sheets therebetween, staple driving means movable between retracted and stapling is positions for driving the associated staple through the stack of Eflicets and int.o engagement with the anvil, motive means for moving the forming itteans between its retracted and fui:ittiti(j positiotis art(] for moving Ute staple drive means belweeii its retracted and stapling positions, and control meaiis coupled to the inotive means for controlling the operation thereof, the control means delaying the movement of 010 st-i'Pie drivillu mcarts to its st-apli.ii(i position for a prc-.(1(--t.ei-iiiiiinct time period after movement of the forming meaiis to its foritii.ng position and therewfter moving the fni-iiiivig meatis and the st.alil.e drIving means back to their retracted positions.

Preferably stapling apparatus according to the invention may be adapted for use in conjunction with a collating machine for receiving and stapling the output therefrom.

In connection with the foregoing feature, it is also preferable for means to be provided which deliver a stack of loose sheets in a neat stack to the stapling mechanism.

Conveniently means are provided which automatically 5 deliver stapled stacks to a collection bin.

Preferably the stapling apparatus may be used in con junction with, or provided with, an associated collator.

Other aspects of a stapling machine according to the invention are disclosed in the appended claims 7 and 15.

1,11e ii)pe-itti.oti consists of certain novel. features and a coitibi.tiatiori of pai-Is hereinafter fully described, illustrated in t. tte accottipaiiy.Litg drawings, and particularly pointed out In the apperlded clalvits, it being understood that various changes in the details mixy he made without departing from the spirit, or sacri fici.vig any of the advantages of the present invent. ion.

MA.ef DesciAption of the Drawings ror thp of facilitating an understanding of the Invention, titr-i-e is illustrated in the accompanying drawings a (-ittl)c)(1i.nieiit thereof, from an inspection of which, when consi.dered iFt connection with the following description, the i.tivetit.i.oti, As c(..)tistrtict.Loti and operation, and many of its advaittages should be readily understood and appreciated.

F1G. 1 is a side elevational view of a stapling system in accoi-dance with the present Invention, shown- In conihination with an associated rotary collator; ri.G. 2 is a top plan view of the combination Illustrated in F1G. 1; - 4 FIG. 3 Is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the combination of FIGS. 1 avid 2; FIG. 4 is an enlarged, diagrammatic, top plan view of stapling configurations which can be effected by the stapling 5 sYst(-'n Of FIGS. 1-3 for different size sheets of papei; rIG. 5 is an enlarged, top plan view of the transport table nf the stapling system of FIGS. 1-3, showing the settAngs of.' Lhe jogger assemblies for letter-size paper; FIG. 6 Is a view similar to FIG. 5, Illustrating the configuration of the parts for 5-inch x 7-inch paper; F1G. 7 Ls an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view of the pappy- transport assembly of the stapling system of FIGS. 1-3, Witlx the FIG transport FIG. transport FIG. verlical position, 1.1 1 G.

along s ide transport- table illustrated in Its home position; 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, illustrating the LaPle between its home and stitching positions; 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7, illustrating the table in its stitching position; 3.0 is an enlarged, fragmentary view in partial section oE the transport table, shown In its home c-in( -1 illustrating the end jogger assembly; 11 is a fragmentary view in verLical section taken thr,].!-no 11-11 in FIG. 9, and illustrating one of the jogger assemblies; FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view in vertical section taken 25 along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11; r[G. 33 is a fragmentary view in horizontal s6ction takf.ii along 1-he line 13-13 in FIG. 11; F1C. 14 Is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the drive assembly for the transport table of the present 30 invention, with the table in its home position; PIG. 15Js a view similar to FIG. 14, with the transport table illustrated between its home and stitching positions; I'.1G. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 14, wi.th the transport table illustrated in its stitching position; FIG. 17 is art enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the control cam portion of the drive assembly of FIGS. 14-16; r]G..10 Js a view similar to FIG. 3, but slightly the paper transport assembly In Its honte 1)ns.i.tloii, with an already-stapled stack of papers at the stit.ching location, with the collection bin partially filled with sLiti).1((1 starks of paper, and with a new stack of loose abont- lo I.)( delivered onto the transport table; FIG. 19 As it view similar lo FIG. 10, illustrating the slack of lo(.-)se sheets after it has been delivered onto the tr(-ivispor(-. UVA.e; V 1 G. 20 is it view similar to FIG. 19, illustrating the transport. iable belween its hoitte and stitching positions Pushing 1he proviously-stapled stack of papers Into the collection Iii.n; i:,r(,. 21 lg a view similar to FIG. 20, and Illustrating the tran.sport- table in its stitching position; F1G. 22 Ls a view si.iiii.l.ar to FIG. 21, with the transport table lo its home position and having received a new stack of papers; rTG. 2.3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view cif Lhe end gate of the transport table and latching mechanism Oterefor, with Lhe gate in Its lowered position; FIG. 2,1 is a view similar to FIG. 23, with the gate In its ralsed position; 1;'].G. 25 is an enlarged, fragmentary view In vertical sect-lon talcen along the liixe 25-25 in FIG. 27, and illustriAling the stliching head with the former disposed In Its foi-lllillg 130sit--.!.otl; FIC,. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25, Illustrating the staple driver Iix Its driving position with the staple having been cli.i.vcin 1hrough the associated stack and clinched; ]'.]G. 27 is an enlarged, fragmentary view In vertical section of onct of the stitching machines of the stapling system of rms. 1-3, illustrating the drive mechanism thei-c.of"; r1C. 20 is a tragmentary view in vertical section taken along the line 28- 28 in FIG. 27; and FIG. 29 is a schematic circuit diagram of the control circiiii for the slapling system of FIGS. 1-3.

Descrlption of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated a stapling system, generally designated by the numeral 30, constructed in accordance with and embodying the features of the present invoilLion.],lie stapling system 30 is adapted for receiving StilCIZS 31 of loose sheets 32 of paper or the like (see FIGS. 10-22) from an associated collator 35. The preferred eitit)o(.liiitc,itt.. of' Oie invention illustrated in the drawings Is specM-cally adapt-ed for use with a rotary collator 35 of the type manufactured by Watkiss Automation Ltd., of Bet-ifcii-(lsliire, England and sold in the United States by the Cliallerige Machinery Company, of Grand Haven, Michigan. This type of collator lias a number of bins arranged In a circle, and a rot.ating arm 36, which picks up selected bins and forms them into individual sheets from a collated stack for delivery to associated equipment, such as the stapling system of the present, invention, via a delivery chute 34. The stapling system 30 is adapted to form wiro staples 37 (see FICS. 4, 25 arid 26), and drive them through the stack 31.

The collator 35 is mechanically coupled to the stapling system 30 hy a coupling 30 which accurately positions the uni.t.s wit.h resperl. to each other. The stapling system 30 is housed!.it a riA)),ijiet 40 which has a plurality of support casters 41 whi.ch rest on the underlying floor or support Stil.l.'ac(:W ittid at-n threadedly adjustable In a known manner to var-y, Oie)it!i.ejitt- of Lhe cablitet 40. The cabinet 40 In ge, Y if! v-it 1 1 y 1m) x - 1 i ke lit shape, having a front wall 42, a rear wal-1 (-)it which is mounted a rectangular control box 43, an etilry end wall 4,1 and an exit end wall 45. The upper edge of Llip- entry etid wall 44 is lower than the upper edges of the froiit-. wall 12 and the exit end wall 45, the latter having a rectangti.Iiii: slot 46 formed therein adjacent to the upper end thereof. Thb cabinet 40 has a top wall 47 recessed below the upper edges of the front wall 42 and the exit end wall 45 and at the level of the upper edge of the entry end WC1.1 1. 4,1 rhe control box 43 has a top wall 49 which Is disposed it slight. distance above the tor.) wall 47 of the cabinet. 40 and ls provided willi an elongated slot 49 therein having a curved spur portion 49a extending therefrom (see FIG. 2). The cabinet 40 may be provided with a detachable bott.t)iii soction 40a to permit a coarse height variation.

Motinte.d on the top wall 40 of the control box 43 Is at least one machine, generally designated by te numeral 50. An auxiliary stitching machine, similar to the stit.ching mach.ine 50, may also be provider], and Is Indicated S tl Lc 110 1.

in I)Iiaiitc)itx hy Lhe. numeral 50A. The stitching in achine 50 is of stil)st-.ititt.iiil.ly standard corisLruction, avid may be of the type which is manufactured by Interlake Packaging Corp.

under the trade naine "ClIAMP1ON STITCHEW'. This prior 1s, In txlrn, an illir)roveinent of the standard stitching inar.hine disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent No.

3,2521,011, and, therefore, the details of the operation and construclion thereof will not be described herein.

Reft--i-i.-i-ii(j now also to FIGS. 25-20, the stitching machine 50 has a head 51 mounted at the front end thereof, and is furlher 1-.)i-(.)v.t(.led with a supply coil 52 of stitching wir(?, whAch!.,., fed down through the stitching head 51.

During ceach cyclu of operation of the stitching head 51, a length of Llic st-.1t.c-)iiri(j wire is fed through a wire holder 54 (see FIG. 25), is cut to provide a cut length 53 which is Mien rotated to a horizontal position (see FIG. 25). A cliaiiii(l-sti,-,xped foriner 55 then is lowered down over the wire holder 54 to bend the ends of the cut length of wire 53 Into a stibst.anlially inverted U-shaped staple 37. A staple driver 56 is Ition lowered to engage the bight portion of the staple 37, picl-.iiiq it out of the wire. holder 54 and driving the staplo. 37 an associated workpiece (such as the stack 31 of sheels), avid against an anvil 69 which bends In the lerj!,, of the staple in a known inanner (see FIG. 26).

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the former 55 and staple driver 55 of the st-11ching machine head 51 are reciprocated ver(Acal ly by linkage 57 which is, in turn, coupled to a rot,tt ing shaft- 59, which ls driven by a drive motor 59 thi-migh an associated gear train and a clutch assembly GO.

The chiLch assenibly 60 is a wrap-spring type clutch which Is 1 0 con.Lrolled by a solenoid 61 which, when actuated, lifts an actual.or bar 62 hav-Ing a curved lip 63. An actuator collar 65 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 50 and is provided with a pair of (Hametrical.l.y opposed, radially outwardly extending tangs 66 Find 67 dLsposed for engagement wIth a ll.p 63 of the act-.xi;it.(:)r bar 62 when Lhe solenoid 61 is deenergized.

Tn the output shaft of the motor 59 Is coriLivitioxtsl.y rotating and drives,through C-be gear train, a continuously rot-ating stub shaft (not shown) associated with the clut-ch 60. When it is desired to engage the clut-ch asserithly 60 lo rotate the shaft 58, the solenoid 61 Is niotttc.!ntcit--.ily act.iiiit.p-(1, lifting the actuator bar 62 to release the acttiitt.f)i- col..I.ar 65, which begins to rotate under the iii:(jitig of Oic wl-cil) spring. As soon as the collar 65 starts to rotat-c. the clutch is engaged and the shaft 50 rotates. Aft-er Llio shaft is rotated 100 degrees, the other tang 66 of Lhe actualor collar 65 engages the lip 63 of the actuator bar 62 io st.op the rotation of the collar 65, thereby releasing the el.tiLeli and st-opping the rotation of the shaft 58 until Llic.,ol.ett(.)i.(1 61 is again actuated.

A (,.otiipLp-t,.e cycle of the stitching head 51 comprises a 360 of the shaft 50. During the first half cycle Ote ff)i:iitc!r 55 is moved from its raised, retracted posit i(:)ii (not. shown) to the forming position illustrated In FIG. 25, in which anvil, 69 LO clainp will lve cycle, whi.ch is SO]c-nold 61, 111P position the former 55 cooperates with the Lhe stack 31 of sheets 32 therebetween, as more fully below. During the second half initiated by another actuation of the staple driver 56 drives the staple 37 tlii-.oxigli the slack 31 (P1G. 26) and the former 55 and the st-aple driver 56 are relracted to their origi.nal positions.

The st.itching machine SOA is substantially Identical to Lite sLi. Lciiiiig machine 50, except that its actuator collar 65 has only a single tang 67 thereon. Thus, each time the sole.ticii(t 61 is actuated, the shaft 58 will go through a complele 360 degree revolution, driving the stitching head Oirough a coniplete cycle, as will be explained In greater detailed below.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 18-22, there Is mounted on the exit. Prid wall. 45 of the cabinet 40 a collecting bin 70 which has a flat, bottom wall 71 provided with an elongaLed slot 72 lherein centrally thereof. Integral with the botl(--)iii wall 71 avid extending vertically upwardly therefrom are lw(..) spaced-apart side walls 73 along one side edge of Lite 1)oLtoitt wall 71. A single upstanding side wall 74 is provided along the opposite side edge of the bottom wall 71 and has a horizontal bottom flange 74a which extends bevicath the bottom wall 71 and is provided with an elongated slot. (not. shown) therein. An upstanding end wall 75 is provicled with it horizontal attachment flange 76 having an -xpei-Lity-c 77 for receiving a suitable fastener 70 whAch also passes throtigh the slot 72 and the slot in the side wall flange 74a for securely fastening the side wall 74 and Lite ond wall 75 to the bottom wall 71. The slot 72 pet-iiiii.s adjuslittent of the position of the side wall 74 and the end wall 75 loward avid away from the exit end wall 45, while, llie. slot in the flange 74a permits adjustment of the side wall 74 laterally inwardly and outwardly of the bottom wall 71, lo accommodate different size sheets.

f The staplAng system 30 also includes a paper transport ass(.?itil).ly 00 (1ITC..3) which includes a flat horizontal support platfuriti 79 projecting outwardly from the entry end wall 44 toward Llie associated collator 35 and alongside the distal end of the delivet:y chute 34 substantially coplanar with the top wa11 47 of the cabinet 40. Formed in the top wall 47 Is an clorigated recessed well 01 (FIG. 2). Referring now also to 1;'IGS. 5-10, fixedly secured to the top wall 47, resr)(--ct...ively along opposite sides of the well 81, are two elongated guide, rails 82, which extend outwardly onto the support. 71). Respectively mounted on the guide rails 02 and laterally Inwardly therefrom are two guide hars 133 (FIGS. 0 and 9).

A flat, gonerally rectangular transport table 85 1..lie support platform 79 and is adapted for rec.ipt-ocixtj.t)g slAding movement along the guide bars 83. The transport table 85 is provided at its entry end with an eloiigit.-e(l, generally rectangular end slot 96 (FIG. 5), and Is provi. ded along its outer side edge with a pair of longiludinally spared-apart rectangular side slots 87.

Tritogi-al wit-li thr, inner si-de edge of the transport table 05 adjacent- Lx.) entry clitile 84 is an upstanding retaining side wal] 98. The inner side edge of the transport table 05 is with a rectangular notch 00a at the leading corner thereof (171C. 3). Fixedly secured to the underside of the I.i-, tiispoi.1 table 05 are a pair of guide. channels 09, rt--spect.iv(3]y disposed for sliding engagement with the guide bar.s 83 to accomitiodate reciprocating sliding movement of the transport table 85 between a home position, illustrated in FICS. 3, 7 and 10 and a stapling position, Illustrated in FIC. 9.

The reciprocal-Ing movement of the transport table 05 Is effected by a drive assembly 90 (rIG. 3). Referring now also to FICS. 14-17, the drive assembly 90 includes an electric drive motor 91 carried by a mounting plate 92 In the lower part- of Lhe cabinet 40. The motor 91 has an output shaft 93 on which is fixedly secured a gear 94 disposed for meshing engagement willt a gear 95 fixed to a shaft 96 for rotation tlierewLil). Also fixed to the shaft 96 Is one end of a crank arm 97, (Ate ot-her end of which is pivotally coupled, as at 98, to one evid of art elongated link 99. The other end of the link 99 is pivotally coupled to an elongated drive arm 100 interittediate the ends thereof, by a pivot coupling 101. The lower end of the drive arm 100 is pivotally coupled to a pivot. anchor 102 at Lhe bottom of the cabinet 40, and the upper end thereof is pivotally coupled by a pivot pin 103 to an elnngitle(l vertical slot 104 in a coupling bracket 105 which is fixed to Lite underside of the transport table 05 at the 1-P-ading end thereof. Also fixed to the shaft 96 are four covit v ol cains 106,.107, 108, and 109 (FIG. 17), which are disposed for respectively operating four control switches, as will be. explained lit greater detail below.

As t.he drive motor 91 is operated the transport table 85 will he moved froitt its home, position, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 14 I- Iii-oxi(jli an intermediate position (FIG. 15) to a slapling position (FIG. 16) during the first half revolution of 1he shaft 96, an(] during the second half revolution the travisport table 85 will be returned to its home position.

1 The. manner in which the operation of the drive stiotor 91 Is controlled will be explained in greater detail below.

Motinted on Llie transport table 05 Is an end jogger assetiffily 110. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5-10, the end jogger assembly 110 Includes an elongated cam rail 11.1 which Is In the form of a vei.t.ically oriented plate, secured by mounting posts 11.2 to ovir..31.de wall of the well 01 In the top wall 47 of Llie. 40. The cam rail 111 has an undulating cam su rface 1.13 along its upper edge defining peaks 113a and val.l.cys 113b (F1C..10). Fixedly secured to the bottom of the transport, Lable 135 and depending therefrom Is a support 11,1 (ru;. 10), on which a drive member 115 is p.i.vot.fill.y iiioxiiit.(?cl by a pivot coupling 116. More spec ifi-cally, tho drive member 115 is generally L-shaped with the pivot 1J6 heing at the vertex thereof, the drive member having a forwardly extending arm 117 provided at its dist,al evid wit.li a cam follower roller 119 disposed for rolling c-ii(jagevitciit-. with the cam surface 113 of the cam rail 111. The (1r-ive MEM1bCE- 11.5 also has an upwardly extending arm 119 at it,s distal end with a reduced tip 120 which is in an associated socket in the underside of an elongated, geiterally rectangular, horizontal jogger plate 122, tho c)l.-)pos.ite rid(- edges of which are respectively disposed in quide brackets 123 fixedly secured to the transport table 85 to accommodate reciprocating sliding movement of the jogger plate 122.

The plate J.22 has an elongated slot 124 (FIGS. 5 and 6) for receiving an associated fastener to secure in 11 1 ace an ups tanding retaining wall or f lange 125' which prujL>ct.s upwardly 1-hrough the end slot 06 in the transport - 14 Lable 85 and above the tipper surface thereof. Depending from Llie forwa37d end of the jogger plate 122 is a pin 126 (FIG.

10) lo whicli is fixedly secured one end of it helical tension spring 127, other end of which Is fixed to a pin 128 depending from t_he transport table 05 forwardly of the pin 126. Thus, it will be appreciated that the spring 127 resiliently biases the jogger plate 122 forwardly (to the left aq viewed in FIG. 10) for holding the cam follower roller]I0 ill callinting engagement with the cam surface 113.

in operation, as the cam follower roller 118 enters valleyr, 113a in tlie undulating cam surface 113, tile jogger plale 1.22 is moved forwardly, and as the catn follower roller 11.8 itioves up peaks 1131) in the cam surface 113 the jogger plale 1.22 ls inoved rearwardly. Accordingly, it can be seen thal as thp.transport table 05 is moved forwardly front its lionie position illustrated in FIG. 10 to its stitching positi.on illustrated in FIG. 13, a jogging reciprocating inovenient of the jogger plate 122 will be effected, thereby moving tlie retainer wall 125 back and forth along the end slot 96. Tlie forward inovement of the jogger plate 122 Is II-iiiii:o-(1 hy ii stop pin 129 (FIG. 10) carried by one of the guido 12.1. The peaks 113a and valleys 113b of the cant 1.13 get- progressively lower front the home end to Lhe st.it-(-lii.tig end I-Itereof, so that when the transport table 85 arrives at. Lis stitching position, the retainer wall 125 has moved Iiit.o a position spaced from the end gate 140 a very sl.itjltt.ly greater than the length of tile paper.

1)e.i.ii( stapled.

3 Also carrLed by the transport table 135 are a pair of side jogger asseniblies 130, which are substantially Identical 1.

1 in construction so that only one will be described In detail.

Referi-Ang lo rIGS. 3 and 7-13, an elongated cant rail 131 is fixedly secured to the top wall 47, the cam rail 131 having an unditiaLing cant surface 132 (PIGS. 7-9) Including peaks 132a and valleys 132b. Each of the side jogger assemblies i.iialti(l(s a flat, horizontal jogger plate 1.34 (FIG. 13) w)ii-(..Ii Ls 1-shaped, being respectively provided adjacent tn it-s opposite ends with transversely extending cross bal7S 137 and 137a. Formed inthe joggerplate 134 is a long.it--ti(ltiicxl.-).y extending slot 135 (PIGS. 9 and 13) which of an upstanding retainer wall or flange 13G hy i-(.(--rjivincj a sultable fastener 136a. The opposite side edgi3s of the jogger plate 134 are respectively slidably received in quide. channels 133 affixed to the underside of the transport Lable 05, for accommodating reciprocating s.lidiiig movement of t_he jogger plate 134. Depending from the jogger plate 1311 at its inner end is a cam follower 138 disposed for c.,aiiiiiii.ncj engagement with the cam surface 132.

Respecilvely disposed in the guide channels 133 are a pair of heli.cal compression springs 139, the forward ends of which bear 1he of the forward cross bar 137a, and the rear ends cif whi.ch bear against stops 139a carried by the quido 133 for resiliently urging the jogger plate 134 inwardly Lo]told Lhe cant follower 130 In engagement. with the cant surface 1.32.

Tn operation, as the transport table 05 moves from Its honte. posi.t-..Lori to Lts stitching position, the engagement of the cant followe.r 130 with the undulating cam surface.132 Will CalISE a jOggi.119, reciprocating movement of the retainer wall.s 136 of the side jogger assemblies 130 Inwardly and - 16 outwardly of the transport table 85, this movement being accommodated by the side slots 87. It will be noted that the spacing of the peaks 132a and valleys 132b of the cam surface 132 are such that, when the transport table 05 is disposed in its home position, both of the cam followers 130 are disposed on peaks 132h (FIG. 7), so that the retaining walls 136 are held In their oulermost positions to provide maximum room for receiving a stack 31 of paper. The parts are so arranged that, when the transport table 85 Is disposed In Its stit-ching posillon, the outer cross bars 137a of the jogger plat-es 134 will. be stopped against the stops 139a, so that the cam followers 130 will be spaced a slight distance from the cam surface- 132, to provide paper width adjustment despite backlash in the system. The peaks 132a and valleys 1321) of the cam surface 132 get progressively lower from the home to the stitching end thereof, so that when the transport table 85 arrives at its stitching position, the retainer walls 136 have moved inlo a position spaced from the retainer side wall 88 a distance very slightly greater than the width of t_he. paper being slapled.

Referring now lo FIGS. 3, 5-9 and 18-24, the transport table 05 is Provided with an end gate 140 which extends across the leading end thereof and is provided with an end retaining surface 141. The outer end of the end gate 140 Is integral. with an elongated side arm 142 which extends along the outel- side edge of the transport table 95 toward the collai-or 35, being pivotally coupled to the transport table 95 by a pivot pin 143 which extends through an elongated adjustment slot 144 in the side arm 142. Disposed immediately beneat.h Ote leading end of the side arm 142 Is a 1 -1 la L(Ai momber 14 5 wii L(A) has An upper 11 f t surface 146, disposed for Pti(jacj(?itip-ril-. with the side arin 142, and a leading end bearing 147 (FIGS. 23 and 24). The trailing end of tlie Jalch member 1.45 is provided with a notch 148 in its lowei- (.tlkj,! a bearing shoulder.149. Formed through ilte 145 are two elongated openings 150 and 151, Oic. having art enlarged lobe 152. al Its trailing end.

rocelved through the openings 150 and 1.51 are pin,, 153 and 154, which are carried by a mounting block 155 secul-nd U_n the tinderSide Of tile transport table 85 at Its ltnaflifl(j end. mounted on the inner surface of the exit end wall. 15 of Oic cabinet 40, immediately above the top wall 47, is it 1 ift. 156. Mounted on the top wall 47 adjacent-to the otiLj-y, ond wall 44 is a release block 157.

when the transport table 115 is disposed In its home position, the end gate 3.40 is disposed in a lowered posi.lion, illxtsLral((1 ill FIGS. 3, 0 and 23, for providing an end stop for paper-s carried by the transport table 85. When Lhe Lable 85 arrives at its stapling position (FICS. 2H and 24), the evicl bearing surface 147 of the latch membor 1.45 engages the lift block 156, pushing the latch member 145 rearwardly with respect to the transport table 85.

111)i,is move-s t-he! pins 153 and 154 respectively to the forward ends of the openings 150 and 151, thereby tilting the latch member 145 upwardly to lift tile side arm 1.42 and, thereby, t)ii, end gate 1110. M1011 tiletl-anSpOrt table 05 arrives back ill. its home position, the bearing shoulder 149 on the latch iiiejiibp-t- 145 (.2ti(jaU(,.,-. 1.1te t-clease block 1.57, thereby driving the latr-li member 145 back forwardly willi. respect. to the transport tabLe 95 for again lowering the end gate 140 to the position j I It ist- ratcd i n P[ G. 23.

if desired, Lhe Lransporl Labl.e 85 may lie provided with art air jet 158 (FIG. 3) Interittediate the leading and trailing ends thereof along the outer side edge thereof for directing a 5tream of' a-ii- across the. upper surface of the transport tiil)](! 85 1() preveril t_he sheets 32 of a staelc 31 from adhering together, thereby to fac.il.l.t-ate the Jogging positioning thereof, as will be expl.ained more fully below. Air to the a.lr jal: 158 may bn provi.ded by a hose (not shown) which ext-eiidr, mlong the Lop wall 47 of the cabinet 40 and down through an opaning therein, and thence to the air supply of the (-.-ollator 35.

now Lo FIG. 29, t_he operation of the stapling is syst-cm 30 i, (.tiitt.i-ull-ecl hy a coiilrol circuit 160, housed wi.iii.iii the er-itit-i-ol box 43. The control circuit 160 Is couplect t- 0 li.nes 1.1 arid L2 of a 115-volt, 60 11z supply. The ljii(, 1,1 Ls coupled through the series combination of a door swilch 1.61, a fuse 162 and a push-button ON switch 163 io it 1 i w? 16.1 The swilch 1.61 is normally-open and is hy closirre of the door (not shown) on the cnvit-i-(-)1 box.13. The ON swi-t-ch is located on a control panel _in it i-((-(ss in the upper portion of the control box 43. it) spri.es across the lines 164 and L2 are a normally-closed, wanually-operated OFF switch 165, normallyc.loSP-d c. oiit,-ir-ts 160a of a solenuid 168, a normally-open cover Interlock swi. l(--1) 166, a noritially-open guard interlock switch 167 and Ute coll of a control relay 169. The cover interlock switch 366 1..; closed by Lhe closure of a clear plastic cover (not shown) over.- the top of the cabinet 40, and the guard 1 1.nte-rl.(-)ck swit-ch 167 is closed by Lite stitching machine 50A when tised, ur by a guarel (noL shown) which replaces the slilching machine SOA when not used. The control relay 169 lies normally-open latching contacts 169a connected in paralle) with lhe ON switch 163. An Indicator lamp 170 is conviected the coil of tile relay 169 to Indicate that the systoill is oil.

Connected Lit series across the lines 164 and L2 are one pole 1.71a of' it mantially-operated, double-pole, single-throw actualor swi.t.cit 171, located oil the stitching machine 50, and the drive itiotoi. 59 thereof. A lamp 173 is connected In parallel with the delve motor 59 to indicate when It Is enei-91.ze(-1. Also (...oititected in series across the lines 164 and L2 are one pole 174a of a manually-operated, double-pole, conirol switch 174 for the stilching machine 50A (if it- Ls used), and the drive motor 175 thereof. An indicat.or lamp 176 is connected across the drive motor 175. Also contincted in series across the lines 164 and L2 are tile contacts 177a of a paper-eject relay 177, a tioi-iiiii 1 1 y- open pn.le 178a of a double-pole, single-throw covit.r..ol. switch 1713 (Ii.s].,ioseci for actuation by the cam 109 (F1S. 17) of tli(! drive asseitibly 90, the other pole 171b of the Et-itc.iiiibcl vitachine control switch 171 and the actuator solenoi.d 61. of a clutch assembly 60 of the st-it-rlli.119 Illachille, 50. Also connected In series across the line.;.16,1 and L2 are a normally-open control switch 100 dtú-.pc).,;e4 for actuation by the cant 106, normally-closed contactn 177h of the paper eject relay 177, the other pole 1711b of Uie st.i.teli.i.ng machine control switch 174 and an act.tic-tt-oi- solerioLd 61A for the clutch assembly of the 1 st.t.t.cili.ilcl 111achine SOA, Connected in series from the junction bet- ween the cont-rol switch pole 178a and the stitching machine control swilch pole 1.71b and the junction between the relay contacts 177h and the stitching machine control switch pole 174b are a normally-closed pole 179b of the control switch.178 and a noi.mally-closed limit switch 182, which Is opened by the vunvement of the former 55 of the stitching machine 50 to its clamping position illustrated in FIG. 25.

Also connected in series across the lines 164 and L2 are a nol.-iiiiil1y-nl:)eil optical full bin switch 183 and the coil of a colintor r-ont-rol- relay 184, which has a resistor185 corince-Ced tliareacro.ss. The coil. of the paper eject relay 177 is also across the lines 164 and L2 and Is provided wit-h a pair oF control terittinals 106, across which are connected (>ne pole 107a of a normally-open, double-pole, single-throw eject switch 187 which is mounted on the control panel and is mannally operated. Also connected in series aci-oss t_he lines 164 and L2 are a normally-open optical cycle start --.witcli 18[3 whi.ch is disposed on the transport table 95 (sec. F1C. 3), a mannally-operated table ONIOFF switch 109, and the coil n-f a control relay 190. Connected in series across the cycle start switch 100 are a normally-closed control switch 1.91 disposed for actuation by the cam 108 and the normally-open latching contacts 190a of the control relay 190. Also connected in parallel with the cycle start switch log is the other pole 197b of the eject switc.h 197.

Connected in series across the lines 164 and L2 are a normally-open jam Limit switch 192, which is located on the transport. table 85 (FIC. 3), a normally-npen control switch 193 disposed fou actuation by the cam 107 and the coil of the control relay 1.611. A resistor 194 is connected across the conirol switch 193 and the coil of the relay 160.

A rectifier 1.95 is connected across the lines 164 and L2 and has a pair of DC output terminals, across which are 5 connected the series combination of a normally-open, mantially-operated Jog switch 196, a resistor 197, a fuse 198 anti the (. It-i.ve molor 91. of the transport drive assembly 90. Nornially-open latching contacts 190b of the relay 190 are connected across the jog switch 196 and the resistor 197.

It will be noted Lhat Lite switches 193, 100 and 192 are opi.i.cal which draw a small amount of leakage current oven In the open condition. When the system is operable, the coil of the control relay 190 is always connectod in series with the switch 100 and has a sufficiently low impedance that it permits a path for this leakage cur-rent. However, the coil of the relay 184 in series w.it--)i the switch 183 is of a different type which has a very high impedance. Therefor, the resistor 105 provides a path for the leakage current. While the coil of the control relay 1.68 In stj.l-es with the switch 192 has a suitable for providing a leakage path, it is normally open circuited by Lhe open control switch 193. Therefore, the resisLor 194 provides the necessary leakage current path.

The? control relay 1.69 has normally-closed contacts 169b which are connected across a control circuit for the collator and which, in their normally closed condition, maintain the collator deenergized. Connected In parallel with the relay contacts 1691) are normally-open contacts 184a of the relay 1134.

Referi-i.tig now generally to FIGS. 10 and 29, the operation of the stapling system 30 will be described In detail. initially, the system is in a rest position, illustrated in FIG. 18, with the transport table 85 In Its home position overlying the support platform 79 adjacent to the collator 35 and the stitching head 51 Is In Its normal rest position with the former 55 and staple driver 56 retracted. When it is desired to ortergtze the stapling system 30, the control box door, cover and guard must first all be closed to close the interlock switches 161, 166 and 167. Then, when the ON switch 163 Is momentarily closed, the control relay 169 is energized, closing Its contacts 169a to latch the relay on, and opening its contacts 169b for releasing the interlock to the collator 35 and permitting the collator 35 to be operated. The stitching machine control switch 171 is then manually closed to energize the drive motor 59 of the stitching machine 50. if the stitching machine 50A is used, the control switch 174 Is also manually closed to energize its drive motor 175. The table ON/OFF switch 189 is then closed to enable the paper transport assembly 80. The system is now energized and ready for the initiation of an operation cycle.

This cycle is Initiated by the delivery of a stack 31 of loose sheets 32 onto the transport table 85 by the collator arm 36 (FIGS. 18 and 19). The stack 31 is deposited In a stack-receiving area of the transport table 85 between the retaining side wall 88 and the retainer walls 136 of the side jogger assemblies 130, and between the end gate 140 and the retainer wall 125 of the end jogger assembly 110. When the stack 31 is deposited in this stack-receiving area (see FIG.

19)- It the. optical sensor for Lhe cycle start switch 108 and ttyt jam Llittit- swilch 192, closing those switches.

of the switch 398 t-cy energizes the control relay 190.

Upon onargization, the relay 190 is latched on by closure of its contacts 190a, and clostire of its contacts 190b energizes thp paper dr[ve motor 91, for moving the transport tablo 135 ft-(-)ttt it.s. home to Its stapling position.

An. exiiiait)eti above, dur.ing this movement-, the end jogger -isseytil)ly 110 1-ec-ipzn(-cit.es to c jog the end edges of the sheets 10 32 in tht. stack 3L forwardly against the retaining surface 141 t)f the end gate 140. Similarly, as exl-dained above, the side. assembl les 130 reciprocate to jog the outer side edges of slack 31 against the retaining side wall 80.

1111ms, it- w111 be Lliat the jogger assemblies 110 and 130 cooperate, to arrange the sheets 32 into a neat stack positioned at. lho Litner front corner of the transport table 85. Referring in partictilar to FIG. 9, it can be seen that in posit.ion, the front inner corner of the stack 31 overl Les the notch 138a in the transport table 05. Thus, when the travi!,,llort t.-abl( 135 arrimes at ils stitching position, t-his ovr,rliav)cjiiiq edge of the stack 31 is received in the gap tim st head 51 and the anvil 69 of the stitc)iittt.j machine 50, as can be seen in FIGS. 25 and 27.

When tlic. drive mot-or 91. has rotated through about 115 degroes of Lts f Li.st revolution, the control switch 180 Is clused by -Che cam 1OG and remains closed for about 15 degrees for mumentarily (viei-gi.zlttg the clutch solenoid 61 of t.he st-.,it(.liiiig machine, 50 through the relay contacts 177b and te H12, 1781) and 1.711). This will lift. the actuator bar 62 '118)to 1-clt-as(-- t.hP actuator collar 65 and engage the clutch for one-half revolution of the shaft 59 for moving the for-mer 55 front its retracted position to its clamping position, illustrated in FIG. 25. The control switch 180 Is actnated before the transport table 85 arrives at the stitciiing position to allow time for the stitching head 51 to react, se) that the Cornier 55 will arrive at its clamping positinn al stihstantially the same time that the transport table 85 ai7r.ives at its stitching position for clamping the stack 31 1:)et:wec!ti Lhe former 55 and the anvil 69, as explained above. Movennetil of the former 55 to Its clamping position also serves LO ol)(.it tAte linilt switch 1.02.

i C the aux! 1 i ary s titching machine SOA Is being used, the clostire of 1he control switch 100 also serves to energize its clutch solenold 61A for the stitching inachine 50A through the relay contacts 3.771) and switch 174b. But in the clutch assonibly of the machine 50, the actuator collar 65 has only a single tang 67 thereon, thtis when the clutch is engaged the shaf t. 58 will. rotate through a complete revolitt..ioii, driving the stitching head 51 of the stitching niachine 50A tlij-ott(rli a complete cycle for stapling the stack 31 along its side ed(le. Reopening of the control switch 180 and opening ro- F the linilt switch 102, as described above,,-)1.,event i-eite-t-ivet. ic)ii of the solenoid 61A for Initiating arint-hen: cycle of the stitching machine SOA.

As the- ti-ansport table 05 arrives at the stitching po5w-,iti.oii, the latch nientber 145 will be driven backward by engagentent with the Lift block 156 for raising the end gate 140,.1., explaivied above and as Illustrated in FIG. 24. T11.11s, when the ti-ansport table 85 relurns to ils home position, it will.,Ri.icte front under the ntack 31, which will be held in the stitching position hy the clamping action of the stitching head 51, tile stack 31. si.iiip.ly resting upost Lite guide rails 02, as it., 11 Lustrat.ed in FIG. 22. As Lite transport table 85 moves out from beneath the stack 31, the optical cycle start switch 3130 art(] jam switch 392 are uncovered and reopened.

Dilrillq the return of the transport table 05 to its home when the shaft of tile drive motor 91 has rotated thi-Ough about 325 (legrees of its initial revolution, the control sivitch 191. is opened by tile cant 100 for deenergizing the relay 190 which is latched deenergized through its re.opened contacts 190a, and which also opens its contacts 190b to (feenergize--. the drive motor 91. Tile transport table then coasts into its home position and, after about a further 15 degi-ne rotation of the motor shaft the cnntrol.

switch 1.91 jj,s reclosed. Simultaneously with the opening of the control swit.(..Ii 191, Lite control switch 170 is actuated by Llif. cam 109 for opening its pole 17813 and closing its pole 178a, to energize lhe clut-ch solenoid 61, and allow the shaft 58 of ilio of lhe stitching machine 50 to move through another half r-pvnlttt-.loii lo complete the second half of its cycle, di.-iviiit. j the stixple 37 through tile stack 31 (FIG. 26) and then return-ing the stitching head 51 to its normal retracted coll(li.tit-lil. Nte, control switch 170 also returns to Its iiiii.ia.l. position after about 15 degrees rotation of the shaft 9G thf the cli-i-vc! motor 91.

ill 1.he P-vr-vit that the paper should become jammed on the transport table (313, so that it does not release from the table 01) at the stAtching location, it will continue to cover tile ol:)tj.ciii start cycle switch 108 and jam switch 192 and 30]told 1hem closed. 11.1hus, the control relay 190 will remain 1 z evic-i-gi.zeri and t.lip motor 90 will continue running. But when tlic. tra its lin 1. 1. table 13 5 nears Its lionie pos'i t ion, subst-antial ly;ijittil-tatieoxisl.y wil-li the op.eiii.tig of the control switch 191, t_he control switch 193 is closed by the cant 107, therehy eiiet.-(j.i.z. iii(j the control relay 160 for opening Its contacts 160a. This deenergizes the control relay 169, re-upening lis cont-acts 169a for deenergl.y..Isig the stapling systein 30, and reclosing its contacts 1691) for stopping the collator 35. Thus, it will be appreciated, that the timing of cont-rol- swit-ch 193 is such that the control relay 168 is Riot to "see" the jam until the transport table is nem-ly to Its home position, so that when the systpiii 30 i!;.7.litit clown the transport table 05 will coast back to [IS 1)ofit.ioti.

After 1.1te. transport table U5 has returned to its home pus i t_ i on, t lit! t, tal-jl 1nc; sys Leitt 30 is ready for the initiation of t)ie next cycle, whi.ch begins with the deposit of the next stack 31 of sheet.s 32 onto the transport table 05 by the collator 35. As Lhe transport table 85 moves to the posi.tion during this next cycle, it will engage the stac,k 31 whi.ch was stapled ditring the previous cycle, and push -it. off Ote (julde ralls 82 through the exit slot 46 In 111P P-xi.t- wal] 45 and into the bin 70, as is illustrated i.n FIGS. 19 and 20. When the bin 70 becoines full, the paper stacked will. cover the optical limit switch 1.83, clusing it-- to the relay 104, which then closes.its contacts 1.84a t.o stop the collator 35 and prevent,any additional st. acks 31 froitt being delivered to the transport table 85. Illien this happens, the last-stitched stack will be 1-cit on Lhe quide rails 82. in order to deposit It in the i 11 bi.vl 70, the operalor manually closes the eject switch 107.

This energizes the relay.1.90 through the switch pole 187b to 1.iii.t.j-ate anot.her (.y(...I.e of Lhe Lransport table 85, for pushIng the stiapled stack into the])ill 70. But closure of the switch 187 eil.so energizes the relay 177 through the pole 107a, which in turn opens Ats covitacts 177a and 177b to prevent actuation of j.)1c! solonoids 61 and 61.A of the stitching atiachtneE3 and SOA. 1.14itis, in Lite event. t.hat there is a stack 31 on the t..1.-tiviri,)ort.. table 05, it will not be released at the stil.(.-liiiic; locat ion and will. not be stitched, but will simply be to the home position. Then, as soon as the lii-ii 70 As the optical switch 104 reopens, the relay 184 and allowing restarting of the coliRr-or 35. if t-li(?j:e i.s already a stack 31 oil the Lransport rable 05, i-es Lite-re will imlitedlately initiate tile next- cyclo of of the stapling system 30.

At times, it ittay be desirable to test the operation of the stapling syst.ent 30 without the presence of any paper tlici-con, or when (.lie collator 35 is not operating. For this t_he jog swi.t--cli 1.96 is provided. It can be seen that the drivo motor 91 will. be energized for as long as the jog swit(..,)) 11)6 is Imid closecl, so that the motor 91 can be moved cllrotig), i.tily portion of its rotational cycle. The resi.stot1.97 i-c(ltt(.es tile current.. flow to the motor 91, calising At to run slower during this testing operation to Cat.i iir.cit( obbervailon of the operation of tile stapling systremit 30.

Af., explained above, the bin 70 and the jogger assemblies 110 and 130 are adjustable to accommodate different size site-ats of paper. F.'IG. 4 illustrates the stapling formats - 28 useful willi several different size sheets. In the case of 5incli x 7-inch paper, only the stitching machine 50 would be used and it would be inclined at an angle, as illustrated In PIGS. 1-3 for driving a single angled staple through the corner of the stack.at the position A, in PIG. 4. Similarly, for 5-112-inch x 8-1/2-inch paper, a single corner staple will. bt. at- the position B. in the case of 0-112-Inch x 11-1/2-itic)i papet-, elLher a single corner staple can he used at Llie pnsiti.oii C or, alternatively, the auxiliary stitching io machine SOA may also be used, and the stitching machine 50 wil 1 he in the slot 49a (FIG. 2) to the same orien-tation its the stilching machine SOA for driving a pair of staples al spaced-apart Locations along the side edge of the stack, as indicated at D. Similarly, for 8-1/2-inch x 14-inch r)ap(..1-, ei.t.lier a single corner staple can be used at posi.tj.(.)ii E or a pair of side staples at positions D. While not il-ltistrated, paper widths tip to 9 inches may be accoittiitociated in Lhe stapli-ng system 30.

rrom the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provicif.,ti an improved stapling systeitt whichis uniquely adapled I'ur use willi an associated collator, such as a rotary collator, whi.ch serves to jog the collated stacks Into neat, accitrat.el.y-1)t.)sit--.i.()tied stacks for stapling, avid which utilizes exisLing slapl..iiig machines in an efficient, and relatively inexpertsive operation.

A A

Claims (22)

- 29 CLAIMS

1 A wire stapling apparatus for forming a length of wire into a slaple and driving it through a stack of sheets, sai.d apparatus comprising: a clincher anvil; a stapling head spaced a predetermined distance from said anvil and co(-il-)erat.l.iig cherewith to define a gap therebetween; and transport nicans for delivering a stack-of loose sheets to a stapling location with at least a portion of the stack disposed in sald gap; said head including forming means iitov,-tlil.e).)ptw#-ert retracted and forming positions for forming a Iengt.h of wire int.o a generally inverted U-shaped staple, sai.d 1oi.iiiitirj itteans in its forittIng position cooperating with sald arivil til7llil.y tO C121111p the stack of sheets therebetween, SI.CIPIP- driving Illealls between reti.acted arid stapling posAlions fut: (Ii.-!.vii)g the associated staple Oxrough the stack of,lie(?Ls and int.o ertgix(j(-.itievit wit.h said anvil, motive means -for moving said forming means between its retracted and forming positions and for moving said staple driving means between its retcacted arid stapling positions, and control means coxtple-d t.t) said itiotive weans for controlling the operation blicarex)f, said control means delaying the movement of said.,t; iple- driving means to its stapling position for a ti-iii(? period after movement of said forming inealis to its foi-iiii. ii(j position and thereafter moving said tot-ming means and sai.d staple driving means back to their retracted posi-tions.

2. The apl,)i.trat.i.is of claim 1, wherein said motive means iiic. lti(ies a rotatabLe Shaft, said control means being operable so Ilial said forliting 111cans and sald staple driving means move - 30 from their retracl.ed posilions respectively to their forming and stapling posillons and back to their retracted positions in one- complete r(volut--ioii of said shaft.

r

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said control meavis includer. clutch means coupled to said shaft and oporable hetween art engaged condition for permitting rotation of sald shaft and a diserigaged condition for preventing rotation of said shaft, and clutch actuation means for p(.?)- iodiciilly actuating said clutch means to Its engaged condition it t-Ame period sufficient to permit rotation of sairi shaft through about 100 degrees.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, and further comprising means for moving said transport means from a stackreceiving location to the stapling location and back to the stack-receiving location.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said transport viteans includes gate means movable between a retaining posilion for retaining a stack of sheets on said transport means and it t-elease position for releasing the stack of slic.et.s frow Said transport means, and further comprising gate control. means responsive to movement of said transport means to rho f;t. iil)lliicj location for moving said gate means front Its retiti.iii.rig position o its release position and responsive to inoventent of said transport means to the stack-receiving localinn for moving said gate means from Its release position to Ats retaining position.

1 X -

6. The apparatus of claiiii 5, wherein said gate control means includes latch ittechanism carried by said gate means, and t-w(--) latch act-ttat,- ors respectively disposed at the stackreceiving location and the stapling location for engagement with;aicl IaLch nxechanism for controlling the operation of sald gate ineans.

7. A stap] i.ncj apparatus comprising. a stapling head for driving a staple through an associated,-.t.ack of sheets, a transport--- Lable having a generally rectangular stack- recei.vivig bounded at opposite ends thereof respectively by f i.rs and end retaining itteans and bounded at opposit.e sides thoreof respectively by first and second side retaining sticans, drive weans for effecting movement of said transport t.iilj.lcl beLween a receiving location for receiving an associal.ed stack of loose sheets into said stack-receiving area and a st.ap] iii(j].(.)cation wherein the stack Is disposed for 1:)e.i.ii(l hy said stapling head, at least said first end iticans and said first side retaining means being movabin in jogging movements repeatedly toward and away from the edgf:! of the stack for jogging Lhe loose sheets into a neat. stack wit.h the sheets vertically aligned and engaging said second end retaining means and said second side retaining iitf!'aii.-,, and actuating means responsive to movement of said transport table from the receiving location to the s tap 1 i ng.1 nea L lon f or ac tuat ing said f irst end and s Ide retaining means int-o their jogging movements.

8. The apparattis of claim 7, wherein said actuating weans includes cin elongate cam means disposed along the 1 patil between the receiving location andthe stapling location, and earn follower means carried by said first end arid side means for camming engagement with said cam means.

9. The apparatnis of claim 0, wherein said cam means int. t udes f i rent and second cam surf aces, said cam follower means including first avid second followers respectively carried by sald first end retaining means and said first side retalning mnans and being respectively disposed in caniming 10 engagement wi.Llt sald first- arid second cam surfaces.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first and second caill surfaces are substantially perpendicular to each other -

11. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 10, and further comprising two of said first side retaining means spaced apart longitudinally of said transport table.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 11, wherein each of said first end and side retaining means is adjustable for accommodating different size sheets.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 12, wherein said drive means includes a rotary motor having a rotated output shaft, and linkage means coupling said output shaft to said transport table for converting the rotary motion of said output shaft to a reciprocating motion of said trans- port table.

1 1

14. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 13, and further comprising control means coupled to said drive means and responsive to receipt of a stack of 'loose sheets into said stack-receiving area for effecting movement of said transport table from the receiving location to the stapling location and back to the receiving location.

15. A wire stapling apparatus for forming a length of wire Into a staple and driving It through a stack of sheets, said af)13,ij..attif-; comprising: a clincher anvil, a stapling head lo spaced a distance from said anvil and coop(t-.,itir)g to define a gap therebetween, a ti-,-tyic;pni-t t,-.x]).]e liivi-iig a generally rectangular stack 1-0c(.!iviytg area botinded.it opposite ends thereof respectively by first aivi second end retaining means and bounded at ol:)pop,.1t.e sides tbereof respectively by first and second side retaiiiing ineans, drive means for effecting movement of said transport Lable between a receiving location for receiving an assucialed stack of loose sheets into said stack-receiving area avid a stap.ling location wherein at least a portion of tbe sl;ic, is di-sposed in said gap; at least said first end retii[iii,ng weans and sald first side retaining means being inovable in jo9(ji.tig movements repeatedly toward and away from the adjarent e(J99 of the stack for jogging the loose sheets into a neat sticl( with the sheets vertically aligned and eiigaqiiig said second end retaining means and said second side i.-et,ti. riii.ig means, actuating weans responsive to movement of said transport table from the receiving location to the sLaplin(j locaLion for actuating said first end and side rciiiiiiiitg means InLo their jogging movements, said head 1 - 34 including forming means movable between retracted and forming pogit- lons for forming a length of wire into a generally inverLed U-shaped staple, said foritting means In Its forming posit-ion cooperating with said anvil firmly to clamp therebetween a stack of sheets disposed on said transport table at the stapling location, staple driving means movable between retracled and stapling positions for driving the associated staple through the stack of sheets and into engagement. wLth said anvil, motive means for moving said forming means hetween its retracted and forming positions and for itiovi.ticj said staple drive means between its retracted and stapling and staple control means coupled to said motAve mnans for controlling the operation thereof, said staple cont-rol ineans delaying the movement of said staple driving nteans to its stapling position for a predetermined time period after inoventent of said forming means to its fo.tining position and thereafter moving said forming means and said staple driving means back to their retracted positions.

16. 11he apparatus of claim 15, and further comprising a col mt-or clisposed at the receiving location for arranging loose- sheets into a stack and delivering the stack into said st-,-ic-k-i-erpivi,yig area of sald transport table.

17. The apl.-)ai.-alits of claim 16, and further comprising a collection bin for receiving stapled stacks of sheets, said transport table being operative during movement from the rec(.-.!.vitig location to the stapling location for pushing a previously-stapled stack front the stapling location into said bin.

z 10. T))e apparalus of clai.sti 17, and further comprising collator control means coupled to said collator and to said bin arid responsive to filling of said bin for stopping said collator.

19. The apparattis of any of claims 15 to 18, and further comprising table control means coupled to said drive means and responsive to receipt of a stack of loose sheets into said stack-receiving area for effecting movement of said transport table from the receiving location to the stapling location and back to the receiving location.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 19, wherein said transport table includes gate means movable between a retaining position for retaining a stack of sheets on said transport table and a release position for releasing the stack of sheets from said transport table, and further comprising gate control means responsive to movement of said transport table to the stapling location for moving said gate means from its retaining position to its release position and responsive to movement of said transport table to the receiving location for moving said gate means from its release position to Its retaining position.

21. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 20, wherein said stapling head is disposed adjacent to a corner of the stack, said stapling head being movable between inclined and parallel positions for respectively driving staples at an angle to or parallel to the side edge of the stack, and 4 further comprising an auxiliary stapling head disposed at the stapling location and spaced from the first stapling head longitudinally of the side edge of the stack for driving a second staple therethrough.

22. A stapling apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 1 to 29 of the accompanying drawings.

Published 1990 at The PatentOffice.State House.6671 High Holborr,. LondonWC1R4TP-Purlher copies maybe obtainedfrom The Patent Office. Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington. Kent BR5 3RD. Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd, St Mary Cray. Kent. Con. 1187 b